V5 questions..

[Plug]

Greetings, citizens.

I'm in the market for another car at the moment, and a V5 Golf/Bora seems like an appealing proposition. However, I know little about the engine, which was a bit of a niche product - are there any issues that I should be aware of before I venture out into the marketplace armed with my bag of readies?

I am off to see a Golf tomorrow morning, which looks like it might fit the bill but the mileage is a little high compared to what I'm used to at 122K - do they take the miles well?

Cheers,

Plug

[a8 tech]

listen for any rattles from start up (chain tensioner)and check if its ever had a head gasketother than that there are few problems with this engine appart from those two and engine management faults ie split vac pipes and occasional heated lambda

[Tenbellies]

just got one (golf)needs abit doing but its fast as dude mint car 170bhp all the way and its got 100k on the clock just going around it now renewing bits

[Plug]

Went to see the Golf today, quite nice, a couple of scuffs but it's 8 years old and done over 100K, so not unexpected. It ran fine (bit of a rattle from underneath when I started it up, sounded like an exhaust issue) and drove nicely, although it wasn't as quick as I'd hoped. Interior - a little worn on the drivers seat but nothing that a bit of polish and some TLC wouldn't sort out.

The only worry was a bit of yoghurt under the oil filler cap, and a smear on the dipstick. It might point to the head gasket, but the car hasn't been used for few months since the owner bought a new one. It *could* just be condensation.

I'm tempted, as it's not overly expensive. But assuming I buy it and the worst happens, how much is a new head gasket likely to cost? It would have to be done in a garage, I'm now stranger to the spanners but that's well beyond my capabilities..

Cheers,

Plug

[a8 tech]

Sounds like it just needs the oil changing,check there is no white smoke out of the exhaust or excessive coolant pressure.Plug i think you will be ok but barter for £500 off to be cheeky

[Plug]

I might have a punt if I can get it for the right price. Don't know about £500 but I'll see how much I can knock them down. I don't think that's being cheeky - it's called negotiation .

Just paranoid about head gaskets at the moment, the one on my Mrs' Fiat Panda went a couple of months ago and cost me £400, that's as much as the car's worth!

Cheers,

Plug